A Privileged Life: Celebrating Wasp Style by Susanna Salk
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Book Reviews of A Privileged Life: Celebrating Wasp Style
Book Review: A KINDER, GENTLER WAY OF LIFE
Summary: 5 Stars
Those were the days.... Yes, those were really the days for author Susanna Salk who with A Privileged Life extols the WASP style (sometimes called "preppy") Instead of celebrating it by focusing on wealth or position, Ms. Salk speaks of WASP style as not having anything to do with religion or money but rather as a time she remembers when there was something "profoundly comforting" in the "infinite consistency" of where she grew up. This constant was defined not only by the style of clothing worn but what was done and spoken, where they lived, how they played or entertained, and even what they ate.
Perhaps WASP style is most easily defined in the Foreword penned by Steven Stolman, a self described "nice Jewish boy from West Hartford, Connecticut." He describes it as a sensibility, a conservative ethic, "which was simply the way pretty much everyone dressed and conducted themselves in a traditional New England suburb." As well, I might add in many other suburbs including several in Michigan, Illinois, and other states.
Chapters are devoted to Wasp icons, lifestyle, Ivy League schools, fashion and homes. Each of the 150 beautiful photos (many full-page) is accompanied by a brief explanatory text. Some of these pictures feature Salk's family, others are film stills that exemplify the Wasp style, and many are of those we think of as personifying this style in their lives - Babe Paley, C. Z. Guest, John Cheever, Jackie Kennedy, and many more.
It goes without saying that WASP style has launched many of today's fashion trends (Ralph Lauren, J. Crew) and still bespeaks an elegant, casual way of dressing. More importantly, this affectionately rendered volume reminds us of a kinder, gentler way of life.
Highly recommended.
- Gail Cooke
Book Review: The rich and beautiful ARE different
Summary: 5 Stars
The commentary is good but the photos are the reason to purchase the book.
The photos depict "privileged people enjoying their privileges".
Forgive me for borrowing from F. Scott Fitzgerald and playwright Philip Barry for my title and description but they knew these people as well as anyone who has ever depicted WASP's in books or plays.
Book Review: fun book
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is great fun. You know these people, seeing them defined is just plain fun!Book Review: perfect service
Summary: 5 Stars
This book came fast, and was in perfect shape! Service couldn't have been better.Book Review: Almost Thoroughly Love It
Summary: 4 Stars
I disagree with many of the negative reviews here; I really enjoy the book immensely and have ordered it as a 31st birthday present for our daughter (and it takes a lot for me to order any book - I borrow incessantly from the libraries)!
Yes, I've found a few spelling or grammatical errors and an incorrect year, and it's surprising these weren't caught, but there are so many great things one can say.
As for "Preppie Handbook" of 1980, sure it's MUCH more comprehensive but I've found a ton of inconsistencies - basically the author's whimsical images in many areas - e.g. clothing with no holes vs. wearing only old clothing, etc. Lots of ridiculous, over-the-top stuff but then it gives serious information on certain commercial chains, etc.
I'm not technically a W.A.S.P at all, but I've always identified in many ways with these individuals and the lifestyle, when and where I could afford it. It's certainly my taste much of the time (though at other times I'm in other moods and go in different directions).
The author had many very specific ideas in mind and elaborates on these but avoids others - e.g. politics. Not once is the word "Republican" mentioned, for example. Yes, the Kennedy's are shown and it is hinted some fitting within or connected with the mold could be different political persuasions as well as religions or ethnic origins, races, or income brackets, etc. Frankly, solid reason I've voted Republic in recent elections has to do with an overall lifestyle I've kept in my head..... I do identify with many of these things.
As for the comments here Salk uses her family too much I surely don't see it that way. She had easy access to these photos and using her own family as an example for many traits or furnishings, etc. described, she creates a perfect balance in self-depreciation of sorts with praise.
All in all I see an exquiste balance to the whole book - basically a work of art I find quite alluring in itself. Minus one star for a few true errors I've noticed but otherwise quite perfect!
P.S. I've seen on the web Salk's husband is a Jew; his father is - yes - but I don't believe his mother is, unless she converted. Technically Mr. Salk, the nephew of Dr. Jonas S., is not Jewish unless his mother was or he converted.